The purpose of a minor in Women’s Studies is to provide students with an opportunity to explore the historical experiences of women, including the achievements of women and the obstacles they have faced; contemporary issues that affect women’s lives; scholarly writings and creative works by women; and the methodologies employed to assess women’s lives. While this interdisciplinary minor includes the study of gender as an analytic category and social construction, its primary focus is on the diversity and meaning of women’s lives. Courses provide students with an opportunity to pursue in-depth study of how issues of concern to women are addressed and understood in various disciplines.

The minor is designed to:

1) promote the interdisciplinary study of women;
2) promote a scholarly understanding of the current issues women face academically, professionally and personally;
3) examine the impact of cultural attitudes and social structures on women’s lives;
4) explore the diversity of women’s experiences across race, culture and class;
5) gain an understanding and appreciation for women’s contributions in the arts, sciences and other arenas;
6) engage in scholarly discourse that allows for the integration of this content with students’ fields of study; and
7) foster a spirit of community among women’s studies faculty and students, and a commitment to work toward the goal of a just and equitable world.

Additional courses offered by departments under an umbrella title or departmental independent studies, e.g., science, music, HPER, psychology, education, will be considered for approval if appropriate content is demonstrated.